The 2025 INDYCAR Season Kicks Off in St. Petersburg
The adrenaline-pumping 2025 INDYCAR season is about to begin, and the excitement starts this week in the vibrant city of St. Petersburg, Florida. Known for its stunning waterfront and bustling atmosphere, St. Petersburg has been a staple on the INDYCAR calendar since 2005, and this year promises to be no less thrilling. As drivers and fans alike gear up for the opening round, here’s a detailed look at the weekend’s schedule and how you can catch all the action.
Friday, February 28: Initial Practice Rounds
The weekend kicks off on Friday, February 28, with the initial practice sessions for both the INDY NXT and NTT INDYCAR SERIES. At 2 p.m. ET, the INDY NXT cars will take to the track for their first practice session, providing a platform for the next generation of racing talent to showcase their skills. Fox Sports 2 (FS2) will be broadcasting this session, allowing viewers to tune in and see the rising stars in action. Following that, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will have their first practice at 3 p.m. ET, which will be aired on Fox Sports 1 (FS1). This session is crucial for the established drivers to get a feel for the track and fine-tune their setups, making it a must-watch for any die-hard fan.
Saturday, March 1: Qualifying Day
Saturday, March 1, is all about qualifying. The day starts early with the INDY NXT Practice 2 at 9 a.m. ET, broadcast on FS2. This session will give the INDY NXT drivers another opportunity to refine their strategies and get comfortable with the challenging St. Petersburg circuit. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES follows with their second practice at 10 a.m. ET on FS2, where the teams will continue to optimize their cars for the upcoming qualification rounds.
The INDY NXT Qualifications begin at 1:30 p.m. ET on FS2, setting the grid for the INDY NXT race the next day. This is a critical moment for the young drivers, as a good starting position can make all the difference in a competitive race. The main event of the day, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifications, starts at 2:30 p.m. ET on FS1. Fans can expect to see the top INDYCAR drivers pushing their machines to the limit in a bid for pole position, creating an exciting and紧张的氛围 for the grid-setting process.
Sunday, March 2: Race Day
Sunday, March 2, is the culmination of the weekend with the main races. The day begins with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warmup at 9 a.m. ET, providing a final opportunity for the drivers to make any last-minute adjustments before the green flag drops. FS2 will be covering this session, so fans can tune in to see the final preparations.
The INDY NXT Race starts at 10 a.m. ET on FS1, featuring some of the most promising young talents in motorsport. This race is not only a showcase of the future of INDYCAR but also a chance for the drivers to prove themselves under the pressure of competition. Expect thrilling battles and close finishes as these up-and-coming racers vie for the top spot.
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES Race
The highlight of the weekend, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Race, begins at 12 p.m. ET on FOX. This Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a 100-lap event that will test the mettle of the world-class drivers and their teams. With its tight, technical street course and unpredictable racing, St. Petersburg has a reputation for delivering exciting and sometimes controversial moments. From the start of the race to the final lap, fans can expect high speeds, strategic pit stops, and intense on-track battles that will keep them on the edge of their seats.
Meet the Next Face of INDYCAR: Pato O’Ward
One of the most exciting aspects of the 2025 INDYCAR season is the emergence of Pato O’Ward as one of the sport’s rising stars. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, O’Ward has already made a significant impact in the racing world with his raw talent and fearless driving style. He gained international attention after a stellar performance in the 2021 Indy 500, where he finished second, and has since become a fan favorite for his consistent podium finishes and engaging personality. Follow O’Ward’s journey with INDYCAR on FOX to see what he can achieve in this new season, as he looks to establish himself as a top contender and potentially a future champion.
Stay Tuned for More INDYCAR Action
To stay in the loop with all the latest news, race updates, and behind-the-scenes content, be sure to follow your favorite INDYCAR drivers and teams. Whether it’s through social media, the official INDYCAR website, or the countless fan forums and communities, there are plenty of ways to get involved and feel a part of the action. The 2025 season is shaping up to be a thrilling ride, and with the season opener in St. Petersburg just around the corner, now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the world of INDYCAR racing. Don’t miss a moment of the excitement—catch it all on FS2, FS1, and FOX.
